This is according to a report by airplane maker Airbus, in support of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The report surveyed more than 10,000 5- to 18-year-olds from 10 different countries. When asked to rank what is most important to them, 40 percent ranked watching TV or playing videogames first compared with 4 percent that put saving the environment at the top of the list. And while species extinction rates are estimated to be up to 1,000 times the natural rate, only 9 percent ranked looking after animals as most important; 15 percent even did not know what “endangered species” meant.

Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, Convention on Biological Diversity executive secretary, said “the survey confirms the alarming disconnect of our children with nature and calls for urgent action to close this growing gap between tomorrow’s citizens and their natural heritage.”

The Airbus Bio-Index shows there is work to be done. In many countries, the next generation has a reputation for being glued to the virtual world and the survey highlights the implications this has for the future of the real world.

Airbus and the CBD announced the results of the survey yesterday in a press conference at the London Zoo. The goal of the survey was to explore children’s perceptions about nature and discover ways in which to promote awareness about the critical importance of biodiversity and the environment.

Airbus is backing the CBD Green Wave, which will pass through the world’s time zones on May 22 at 10 a.m. creating a wave of activity from east to west around the planet. The Green Wave is designed to promote awareness about the crucial role biodiversity plays in our lives and our futures, and involve young people in action to safeguard life on earth.

I wouldn’t be surprised if games get the flak for this alarming mindset of our youth again. But, why do you think children enjoy the virtual worlds more instead of their real lives? It’s not because the games have become so addicting, it’s because parents have turned these games into babysitters and left their children in the care of the television set.